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Equipotential bonding dilemma!

geov
I have an issue on which I would value your opinions.

I’ve been conducting EICRs in a building developed over the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, more castle than domestic dwelling, though it is now providing around 20 flats. The properties were rewired in the early 80’s. I’ve found a number with no MEB to incoming water or gas or both. The issue is that the cut outs and consumer units are, without exception, the opposite end of the properties from where gas and water enter the properties.

It’s a listed building so nothing can be run externally, floors are polished hardwood ( not sure what vintage) and ceilings are ornate plasterwork.

Although all were rewired under one contract, many have had electrical alterations and additions since, except bonding. That said, the typical set up is a MK board with an up front 80A, 30mA rccb with 3871 type 2 mcbs for the domestic circuits, along with a separate off peak board serving storage heating. In the flats which have had gas installed, some of the former off peak circuits are now  radials with socket outlets with no rcd/rcbo protection.

Readings suggest PME/tnc-s supplies, a few have PME stickers.

So, to my question - is there any way I can address the lack of access to install bonds to water gas ( leaving aside ripping up historic floor boards or getting copper services changed to plastic)? Innovative, whacky, off the wall suggestions welcomed as are technically sound, difficult ones!

TIA
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    I would make the main visible bonding conductor a "feature".



    Or if it's the sort of place with ornate skirting boards/architraves, the old school approach was to buckle clip cables somewhere within the moulded areas and paint over - they then bend in and become quite unnoticeable.

     

    We are talking PME bonding here, so at the main intake position the services , water, gas etc will need to be sized to the incomer. For say a 3x200amp which is likely on this project the bonds will be 25mmsq. (Earthing conductor 35mmsq).



    But what if there isn't a single main intake position? - the OP seems to imply that each flat has its own independent supply straight from outside (I've certainly seen multiple commercial units within a single building of a similar vintage done that way).


    This is a statutory requirement, not to be confused with "wiring regulations" where a separate earth return or RCDs are used, Furthermore, non bonding on services where insulated inserts are fitted is not permitted. "Wiring regulations" installations such as BNO blocks are non statutory.



    Which statutory documents says this? I can't find anything like that kind of detail in the The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 and I don't know of any other current legislation in this area so it would be useful to know what I've missed.


      - Andy.
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  • 0

    I would make the main visible bonding conductor a "feature".



    Or if it's the sort of place with ornate skirting boards/architraves, the old school approach was to buckle clip cables somewhere within the moulded areas and paint over - they then bend in and become quite unnoticeable.

     

    We are talking PME bonding here, so at the main intake position the services , water, gas etc will need to be sized to the incomer. For say a 3x200amp which is likely on this project the bonds will be 25mmsq. (Earthing conductor 35mmsq).



    But what if there isn't a single main intake position? - the OP seems to imply that each flat has its own independent supply straight from outside (I've certainly seen multiple commercial units within a single building of a similar vintage done that way).


    This is a statutory requirement, not to be confused with "wiring regulations" where a separate earth return or RCDs are used, Furthermore, non bonding on services where insulated inserts are fitted is not permitted. "Wiring regulations" installations such as BNO blocks are non statutory.



    Which statutory documents says this? I can't find anything like that kind of detail in the The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 and I don't know of any other current legislation in this area so it would be useful to know what I've missed.


      - Andy.
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